The Suns have their answer to "The Process" in "The Timeline." Our panel predicts some improvement in Phoenix, but they should still have a shot at the top pick in June.

Bobby Marks ESPN

Six weeks (October 1) until the qualifying offer (QO) for restricted free agents expire (unless extended). There are still five players that can sign the QO; Nerlens Noel ($4.2M), Mason Plumlee ($4.6M), Nikola Mirotic ($7.3M), Alex Len ($4.2M) and JaMychal Green ($2.8M). A player will see still be a RFA past October 1 but with no qualifying offer on the table. A player signing the QO would have veto power to any trade.

Suns fans won't have to wait to watch Josh Jackson in action. Phoenix will open at home on Wednesday, Oct. 18 vs. Portland.

Dave McMenamin ESPN Staff Writer

With Kyrie Irving still on the Cavs as we wait to see if his trade request is fulfilled, here are the key dates CLE will play some of his potential suitors for the first time: Oct. 17 vs. BOS (opening night); Oct. 29 vs NYK; Nov. 17 vs. LAC; Nov. 28 vs. MIA; Jan. 8 at MIN; Jan. 23 at SAS; March 13 at PHX.

Only one team in the West sits lower by RPM's measure. Phoenix should focus more on developing youngsters than chasing wins this season.

Lawrence Murray ESPN.com

Jamal Crawford's Crawsover squad leads the Drew League squad 51-38 at halftime. Phoenix Suns signee Mike James dominated the first half with 12 points and seven assists, and Seattle has a huge edge in field goal percentage (50% to 36.4%). The Drew has to find a lineup that can defend, as James broke the defense down repeatedly.

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Jerome Miron/USA Today Sports

Suns announce 2017-18 preseason schedule

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The Suns will open the preseason on the road against the Trail Blazers on Oct. 3 and the Jazz on Oct. 6. Phoenix returns home to face the Jazz again on Oct. 9 and the Blazers once more on Oct. 11. The preseason wraps up at home with a matchup against the Brisbane Bullets of Australia's National Basketball League on
Oct. 13.

The Suns could follow the model of the 2008 Boston Celtics by building a superteam through trades. Phoenix GM Ryan McDonough was with the Celtics when they built their team, and he has the assets to do something similar.

The Cavaliers are listening to trade pitches for Kyrie Irving, with six teams -- including the Suns -- making actual offers to Cleveland for the All-Star point guard.

Dave McMenamin ESPN Staff Writer

The LeBron James workout summit in Las Vegas started today at UNLV. Among the participants were MVP Russell Westbrook, Houston Rockets point guard Chris Paul, Phoenix Suns guard Eric Bledsoe and the newest member of the Cleveland Cavaliers, Derrick Rose. Cavs assistant coach Damon Jones is running the minicamp which a source described as "intense" and "productive" so far. Cavs development coaches Mike Gerrity and Dan Geriot are also on hand.